Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Lara Ann Shell Eide, 50, passed away and moved on to Heaven at the DCH Regional Medical Center ICU in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on April 8th, 2018, at 2:18 a.m. She will be greeted with many close loved ones, including her mother. Lara was born on Oct. 12, 1967 to a wonderful couple, William Shell and Eleanor Shell. She was loved by, and cared for, everyone involved in her life. She helped to take care of her family, including her son, William Eide, and her late mother, later on in her life. Her favorite verses in the bible was the 23rd Psalm, which focused on just how caring and loving our Lord is, and forever shall be.

She was a talented artist, musician, and writer. She attended Shelton State Community College on a music scholarship. She was a fan of gospel music, just like her mother, as they shared that interest together, learning how to play the piano with her. Despite being a little bit rebellious in her early years, she was always willing and ready to help out her family and others at a moments notice. After going to Shelton State, she moved around for a little while before ending up in Wisconsin, to meet her beloved husband, Ralph William Eide II. And, after being together for some time, they had their first and only child, Ralph William Eide III.

Her greatest accomplishment was co-founding Operation Teddy Bear with her son, William, to provide toys and stuffed animals to disadvantaged children who were affected by the April 27, 2011 tornado that struck Tuscaloosa. After five-plus years, they had collected and given out more than 10,000 stuffed animals.

Lara is survived by her 17 year old son, William Eide; her father, William Murphy Shell; and her brother, David Brian Shell, alongside numerous cousins and close family members and friends. She is the daughter of Eleanor McInvale Shell, who passed on in September 2016, and William Murphy Shell, 79.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the DCH Regional Medical Center ICU, Glen Haven Health and Rehabilitation, Melissa from Station 3 at Glen Haven, Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham, Dr. Richard Shamblin, and numerous special friends for all of your loving care, support, and help that you all provided Lara during the last few years of her life.

On Wednesday, April 11 at 11 a.m., there will be a viewing at Brushy Creek Baptist Church in Georgiana, Ala., for one hour, following that at noon with internment in the Brushy Creek Cemetery. Brother Randy Harvill will conduct the graveside service at the cemetery.

Thank you all for your love and support. Lara is now at peace, and is no longer in pain.